The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational took place at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore in 2024-2025. Landon McNamara, a surfer from Hawaii, won the competition. This victory made him a legend in Hawaiian surfing.
Thousands of fans watched the 2024-2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. McNamara’s win was historic. He was the first goofy-foot surfer to take the title.
McNamara’s victory showed his incredible talent. It also honored Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian waterman. The competition celebrated Aikau’s legacy and the power of Hawaiian surfing.
Historic Day at Waimea Bay: Setting the Stage
The 2024-2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational started with a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise. The swell at Waimea Bay looked promising. This event, held 11 times in 40 years, had 35 top male and 10 female surfers.
Waimea Bay offered waves up to 40 feet, a big test for surfers. Each surfer got two heats, with their best three waves counting. This event brought together legends and new stars from Hawaiian surf culture.
Pre-Competition Conditions and Expectations
The National Weather Service warned of high surf on the North Shore of Hawaii. Waves could hit 50 feet at Waimea Bay. Honolulu expected 50,000 people to watch, warning them to be careful.
The Gathering of Elite Surfers
Big names like Kelly Slater and Keala Kennelly were invited. They joined rising stars and local talents. Half of the top 10 after the first round were new to the event.
Competition Format and Rules
The event needs waves of at least 20 feet, measured Hawaiian-style. Surfers had two heats, with their best three waves counting. This format showed the best of big wave surfing and Hawaiian surf culture.
2024 Eddie Aikau Winner: Landon McNamara’s Historic Victory
Landon McNamara, a North Shore surfer, won the 2024-2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. He scored 135.8 points, a record. This victory made him the first goofy-footer to win the event.
McNamara, the son of contest director Liam McNamara, achieved his dream at Waimea Bay. He said following a turtle in both heats helped him win. McNamara’s victory kept the North Shore surfers’ winning streak alive.
| Rank | Surfer | Score | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Landon McNamara | 135.8 | $50,000 + 600,000 Hawaiian Air Miles |
| 2 | Mason Ho | 120.90 | $20,000 |
| 3 | Billy Kemper | 110.80 | $10,000 |
| 4 | Jamie O’Brien | 105.20 | $6,000 |
| 5 | Nic Lamb | 100.30 | $4,000 |
The 2024-2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational had 45 surfers. Landon McNamara’s win came with a $50,000 prize and 600,000 Hawaiian Air Miles. He also got 250,000 extra miles for his perfect-score wave.
Memorable Moments and Standout Performances
The 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay was a highlight of surfing. Both seasoned pros and new stars gave performances that will be remembered. Mason Ho, known for his bold style, came in second. His consistent skills left everyone in awe.
Mason Ho’s Runner-Up Performance
Mason Ho’s second place showed his skill in Waimea Bay’s tough waves. His ability to handle the shorebreak and perform dynamic moves won him fans. Judges and the audience alike admired his talent.
Women’s Division Highlights
The women’s division was a standout, showing the talent and courage of female big wave surfers. Moana Jones Wong and Flick Palmateer took on the huge waves with fearlessness. Their performances highlighted the growing role of women in big wave surfing.
Notable Wipeouts and Rescues
The 2024 Eddie Aikau competition had its share of dramatic moments. Surfers tested the limits of what’s possible in Waimea Bay wipeouts. The Hawaiian Water Patrol worked hard to keep everyone safe, performing daring surf rescues.
The event, from Mason Ho’s surfing to the women’s division, left a lasting impact. The unforgettable moments and standout performances solidified the competition’s place in surfing history.
Perfect Score: McNamara’s Game-Changing Wave
The 2024/2025 Eddie Aikau Surf Competition at Waimea Bay was unforgettable. Landon McNamara got a perfect 50-point score, the first in 40 years. His wave riding skills amazed over 25,000 fans.
McNamara rode a huge wave with incredible control. He dropped into the wave’s steep face and did powerful moves. Commentators said it was like the whole ocean was on his shoulders.
His perfect score made him the 2024/2025 Eddie Aikau champion. He scored 135.8 points, beating Mason Ho and Billy Kemper. McNamara’s victory was historic.
McNamara’s win was a big moment for the Eddie Aikau Surf Competition. He was the first goofy-footer to win. His big wave riding at Waimea Bay barrel made him a surfing legend. He inspired many with his Eddie Aikau scoring skills.
Final Rankings and Prize Distribution
The 2024 Eddie Aikau Surf Competition at Waimea Bay was unforgettable. Landon McNamara won in a close race. His victory not only put him at the top but also brought him a big prize.
Top Eight Finishers
- Landon McNamara
- Mason Ho
- Billy Kemper
- Jamie O’Brien
- Nick Lamb
- Luke Shepardson
- Nathan Florence
- Kai Lenny
Special Awards and Recognitions
Special awards were given out too. They honored outstanding performances and the “Aloha Spirit.” Landon McNamara won the main competition and the “Best Wave” award. He got 250,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles for that.
Greg Long was given the “Aloha Spirit” award. He got $2,500 for his dedication and sportsmanship. This was the first time one surfer won both the main competition and the “Best Wave” award.
Prize Money and Rewards
The 2024 Eddie Aikau Surf Competition had a big prize pool. Landon McNamara, the winner, got $50,000 and 350,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles. This reward showed the event’s support for top surfers.
The Legacy Continues: Eddie Aikau’s Enduring Impact
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing.” It honors a true Hawaiian hero, Eddie Aikau. Aikau was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay and saved over 500 lives. He is a hero in the surfing world and beyond.
The event has been held 11 times since 1984. It celebrates Aikau’s bravery and skill. The competition only happens when waves at Waimea Bay are 40 feet high. It shows the spirit of aloha and the valley’s rich history.
Today’s big wave surfers are inspired by Eddie Aikau’s legacy. They aim to push their sport’s limits while respecting their community and the land. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational keeps Aikau’s impact alive. His life and legacy are part of Hawaiian culture and big wave surfing.
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Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
